Rovers sign Premier League prodigy

Rekeem Harper joins on season-long loan from West Brom

31 August 2017

Rovers are delighted to announce the loan signing of highly-rated West Bromwich Albion midfielder Rekeem Harper.

The 17-year-old starlet, who became only the second player born this century to feature in a Premier League match when he made his debut for the Baggies earlier this month, joins on a season-long deal.

Harper started out in Albion's youth ranks as a striker, but has since grown into an effective box-to-box midfielder, capable of playing anywhere in the centre of the park, whilst retaining that keen eye for goal.

Despite his young age, he quickly progressed to their Under-23 squad, featuring in all three of West Brom's Checkatrade Trophy matches last season.

An unused substitute in the Premier League last April for the game against Manchester United at Old Trafford, Harper was part of Tony Pulis' squad for this summer's Asia Trophy in Hong Kong, playing in the draw with Leicester City.

Albion's opening Premier League game of the 2017-18 campaign saw Harper make his senior debut, coming on as a 70th-minute substitute in a 1-0 win over Bournemouth.

He has continued to be part of the first team picture at The Hawthorns, having featured in West Brom’s 3-1 victory over Accrington Stanley in the second round of the Carabao Cup last week.

Harper signed his first professional contract with West Brom earlier today, before completing his move to Ewood Park.